Are you planning a trip to Italy? Wonderful! Please note that when you make a route, you will understand that all the cities and sights of the country are exactly along the railway line. It is best to go on a train trip, because the Italian railways stretch along the azure coast - during the trip, the view from the window will delight the eye with picturesque landscapes.
History of occurrence
The first railway in Italy was built back in 1839. The route was going over a distance of 7640 kilometers. A branch connected Naples and Portici. By the end of 1890, Italy's railways had a branched structure. They covered all the historical and cultural centers of the country. The beginning of the 21st century is characterized by the development of high-speed rail lines.
Today, Italian railways have a length of 16079 kilometers. The train is the most popular mode of transportation for traveling around the country. Already there are about thirteen major railway stations: these are Turin, Venice, Milan, Verona, Genoa, Rome, Bologna, Florence, Palermo, Naples, Bari. They occupy 225 thousand square meters and receive about 480,000 passengers per day.
Types of trains
Trains are divided according to class, speed and distance:
1. High-speed trains. A trip to them will be the fastest and most comfortable. Tickets for high-speed trains must be bought no earlier than two months in advance. The most popular of this series of trains is Eurostar. This is one of the fastest long-distance trains. Tickets are quite expensive, they will charge a fee for the reservation.
2. Intercity trains. Trips are made between large and medium-sized cities. Seats on the train are divided into first and second classes. Tickets are also purchased for 2 months. These trains include Eurocity. This train is designed for international flights; it only stops in large cities. Euronight is also a train running between cities, which differs from Eurocity in that it travels at night during the journey. The cars are equipped with berths.
3. Local trains. These are the least comfortable and cheapest trains. They ride short distances and make many stops. The most famous of this category is Treno Regionale. It runs only between two neighboring cities.
Many trains have bicycle facilities, while long-distance trains have special wagons for transporting cars. This type of service is called "treno + auto", the price depends on the size of the vehicle and the distance of the trip. Before you go on a trip, you should thoroughly study the branch of the tracks, for this you will need the scheme of the Italian railways.
Travel schedule
At each railway station in Italy there is a placard with a schedule, which happens in white and yellow-orange colors. It shows the route and time of departure or arrival of the train. For new arrivals, a white board is displayed; for departing, yellow-orange. You can also familiarize yourself with the train schedule on the website (for information, see below).
How to buy tickets
There are several ways to purchase tickets:
- Directly at the ticket office of the station. You should go to the free window and tell the cashier the time and the desired direction of the train, how many tickets you want to buy. You can pay by card or cash. In Italy, you may be asked to show an identity document.
- Through a travel agency. But you have to pay a commission.
- In machines (if available at the station). Using it is quite simple, but you need to know the exact name of the stations. On the monitor, select the language in which it will be more convenient to read, click on the “buy tickets” button and indicate when and to which station you plan to go.
- Via the Italian Railways website (for how to purchase, see below).
Buy a ticket in any convenient way, rather visit the sights, the sea, the lovely old towns of this country, and Italy will forever win your heart.
Railways: official site
Using the site, you can “build” your route in advance, view the schedule of all trains, order and pay for tickets. To purchase a coupon, you need to go to the main page of the site, register under the name that is indicated on the credit card, as you will pay with it. You must also indicate your email address, where they will send a password to enter. After registration, go back to the main page and enter the date, month of the planned trip, where you are going to leave, and destination. The system will display several options, the most suitable you choose. You will find out the price of a ticket by clicking on the basket. Book a ticket after you finally decide on a trip! You can also specify the desired location, for example, “by the window”. Click on Continue. And go to the payment. To buy a ticket, cards are suitable: Visa Classic or Master Card. We warn you that the Italian railway website is in English.
Ticket composting
So, you have purchased a ticket. Go to the station. But do not rush to hit the road; first, compost the ticket in any yellow or blue devices. This device should print the date and time of composting. This will serve as proof of the validity of the ticket. Remember! You can be charged the same penalty for an uncomplicated ticket as in the absence of a ticket at all. Such orders in this country. If you purchased an electronic ticket, then it is not necessary to insert it into the device, since the date and time of the trip are indicated on it.
Italy's railways offer a wide range of services for residents and tourists. For example, a detailed schedule, comfortable trains, transportation of goods, buying tickets in a convenient way, a left-luggage office. Security at the station is provided by the police.